Saudi Arabia’s COP presidency is entering its final chapter, with the Kingdom set to hand over the role to Mongolia at COP17 on Monday, following a distinctive tenure marked by new international initiatives and advanced partnerships since COP16 in Riyadh.
At COP17, Saudi Arabia will shine a spotlight on the unique progress led by the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership (RGDRP) and the Riyadh Action Agenda, which has surged from 35 to more than 100 initiatives.
Saudi Arabia will further highlight its environmental agenda through the International Initiative for Early Warning for Sand and Dust Storms and the Business4Land initiative, reflecting a broader drive to address land degradation and environmental risks.
The story of Saudi Arabia’s COP presidency started in Riyadh, where COP16 kicked off in December 2024, emerging as the largest session in the conference’s history.
The event brought together 197 parties, including 196 countries and the European Union, offering a vital platform for advancing global action on land and drought.
By the conference’s conclusion, 39 decisions had been adopted and more than $12 billion mobilized, reinforcing efforts for land restoration and drought resilience.
At COP17, Saudi Arabia will organize a national pavilion in the Blue Zone, launching more than 40 side events, as well as a dedicated Middle East Green Initiative pavilion.
The Kingdom will also chair the final COP Bureau meeting before handing the presidency to Mongolia, while holding discussions on the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership.
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